Take a Look under the Bonnet of the SUPERB iV

Take a Look under the Bonnet of the SUPERB <span>i</span>V

ŠKODA has unveiled a revised version of its flagship, the SUPERB, at the 2019 IIHF Ice-Hockey World Championship. This model will now be also offered in the form of the SUPERB iV with a plug-in hybrid drive. Let’s explore this technology up close.

23. 5. 2019 Models Superb

What’s the simplest way of describing how the plug-in hybrid drive works in the new SUPERB iV?

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a large rechargeable battery. Unlike normal hybrids, plug-in hybrids can be charged from an ordinary socket, so they offer a relatively long range on electricity alone. The ŠKODA SUPERB iV features a 1.4 TSI turbocharged internal combustion engine connected, via a clutch, to a synchronous electric motor.

How does the system control which engine powers the vehicle at any given moment? Does the driver know which engine is in use?

When it comes to propulsion, the ŠKODA SUPERB iV offers two basic driving modes for the driver to choose between: electric mode and hybrid mode. In electric mode, only the electric motor is operable, while the internal combustion engine remains off. In hybrid mode, the motor control unit itself assesses many different factors and chooses whether to enable one, the other or both engines in order to accommodate the driver’s driving requirements while minimising consumption. Engine activity is displayed on the instrument panel.

The internal combustion engine is mounted in the front. So where is the electric motor?

The electric motor is also at the front, between the transmission and the internal combustion engine. From an engineering point of view, it is built directly into the gearbox and is separated from the internal combustion engine by a clutch. With this connection, the vehicle can rely on a fully electric ride with the internal combustion engine off or, alternatively, there may be an interplay between the engines in hybrid mode.

ŠKODA SUPERB iV

The orange under the rear seats shows a 13 kWh traction battery. The orange cables running forwards from this battery are high voltage and are connected to the power electronics in the engine compartment. All of this part comprises electric-drive technology.
The red shows the fuel tank for conventional fuel (in this case petrol), which is mounted above the rear axle.
The black under the bonnet at the front shows a classic 1.4-litre 115 kW internal combustion petrol engine, which is connected to the electric motor.

Will only one specific internal combustion engine be offered with the SUPERB iV or will there be a range to choose from?

Only one internal combustion engine is planned for the SUPERB iV: the 1.4 TSI, delivering maximum power of 115 kW and torque of 250 Nm.

What are the electric motor’s specifications?

It is a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. This type of motor is ideal when it comes to efficiency. The ŠKODA SUPERB iV’s electric motor has maximum power of 85 kW, torque up to 330 Nm, and speeds of up  to 7,000 rpm.

What is the SUPERB iV’s total output?

The maximum system output is 160 kW in hybrid mode. It can be activated via the Sport button on the bar next to the shift lever or by kicking down the accelerator.

ŠKODA SUPERB iV

What are the battery specifications?

The Li-ion battery, positioned under the rear seats, has a capacity of 13 kWh and weighs in at 135 kg.

What is the SUPERB iV’s range on electric only drive?

The WLTP-measured range in fully electric mode is 55 km.

How long does it take to charge a battery for electric drive?

It takes approximately three and a half hours to charge a flat battery from a 3.6 kW wallbox, and an hour and a half longer using an ordinary 230 V power socket.

ŠKODA SUPERB iV

The SUPERB iV will also harness regenerative braking. What is the simplest way of describing this principle?

When a conventional vehicle is braked, the kinetic energy generated by the brake pads is converted into heat and dissipates. In hybrid vehicles, the kinetic energy produced when braking is converted into electricity (the electric motor works as a generator) and is stored in the battery as chemical energy. The energy stored in this way can subsequently be reused for acceleration or for driving at a constant speed.

How much energy can be generated by regenerative braking?

The precise figure depends on many factors, but the maximum is 30% of the energy required to drive the vehicle.

How (much) does the hybrid mode reduce the SUPERB iV’s petrol consumption?

The energy that is stored in the battery during braking and is then reused lowers the amount of petrol consumed. As the internal combustion engine does not need to be used so much, if at all, less petrol is required. The specific petrol savings depend on a host of factors, such as the driving style, the route, the temperature, etc., so it is difficult to come up with an exact figure.

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